Simply put, I love Barnard and truly almost everyone I know does as well. I have never felt more independent, challenged, or excited as I do living in New York City and taking classes at Columbia. And because of Barnard, I also feel empowered as a woman.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
The all-girls thing is worth being a little apprehensive about. Yes, you live in the city and you can take classes at Columbia, so it's not really an all girls school in that you'll see guys a lot. But Barnard is still you're primary community, so keep that in mind.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Barnard is tough. I'm a Neuroscience major and I think if I wasn't so involved in campus activities I'd have an easier time academically, but New York and friends can sometimes be distracting and keep me from studying as much as I should. I have no regrets, however.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
I've seen it vary. The first year at Barnard can be a little lonely for some people and the social dynamic (all girls) can take a little while to get used to. I've seen it go both ways-- my freshman dorm really kept their distance, but I've seen hallways of girls from all over the country become a legitimate family to each other.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
It's decent. You have choices from all the dining halls on Barnard and Columbia campuses (three) but to be honest the Barnard one is closest to the dorms so that's the one I use the most. Salad bar is a constant, and there's usually a good variety of things to choose from.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Out of everything, this probably varies the most. You have the entire city--which means bars, concerts, clubbing, foodie restaurants, anything you want. Campus activities and organizations also tend to get pretty involved and make the school seem smaller. Sororities and Frats are available if you're into those.
Simply put, I love Barnard and truly almost everyone I know does as well. I have never felt more independent, challenged, or excited as I do living in New York City and taking classes at Columbia. And because of Barnard, I also feel empowered as a woman.
The all-girls thing is worth being a little apprehensive about. Yes, you live in the city and you can take classes at Columbia, so it's not really an all girls school in that you'll see guys a lot. But Barnard is still you're primary community, so keep that in mind.
Barnard is tough. I'm a Neuroscience major and I think if I wasn't so involved in campus activities I'd have an easier time academically, but New York and friends can sometimes be distracting and keep me from studying as much as I should. I have no regrets, however.
I've seen it vary. The first year at Barnard can be a little lonely for some people and the social dynamic (all girls) can take a little while to get used to. I've seen it go both ways-- my freshman dorm really kept their distance, but I've seen hallways of girls from all over the country become a legitimate family to each other.
It's decent. You have choices from all the dining halls on Barnard and Columbia campuses (three) but to be honest the Barnard one is closest to the dorms so that's the one I use the most. Salad bar is a constant, and there's usually a good variety of things to choose from.
Out of everything, this probably varies the most. You have the entire city--which means bars, concerts, clubbing, foodie restaurants, anything you want. Campus activities and organizations also tend to get pretty involved and make the school seem smaller. Sororities and Frats are available if you're into those.